The earthy smell of rain hitting the soil, hot tea, steaming bhuttas and fresh pakoras – there is something magical about the monsoon season that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. After a long spell of the sweltering heat, rains finally blessed the city two days ago, saving us from the torment of the blazing sun. And with rains in full swing, it’s that time again when the Gomti river front will bustle with families and friends getting drenched in the rain and enjoying the monsoon in lucknow.

Apart from gusty winds and showers, rains also bring with them an increased susceptibility to falling sick so it becomes all the more important to take the necessary precautions. So, before this feeling of relief is over-taken by annoyance about the clogged roads, potholes and increased traffic jams, let us remind ourselves of some useful tips to enjoy the rains without falling sick:

Umbrellas and raincoats

This is like THE most obvious thing to do, but let’s face it – not many of us actually follow this advice. Make it a point to carry an umbrella or rain coat with you. In case of a light shower, this will save you a lot of hassle especially when you are commuting to work.

Clean surroundings

Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes & water-borne diseases. Maintain your surroundings, keeping them clean and don’t let water accumulate in or around the house. If you have coolers at home, change its water frequently, or better yet empty them if not in use.

Healthy diet

During monsoons, our immunity is at its most vulnerable so following a healthy diet becomes a must. If staying off of your favorite street food seems like a difficult task, try to limit your consumption as much as possible and be sure of the quality of food. The humid weather & standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and infections spread quite quickly.

When cooking at home, make sure that the vegetables are cleaned and washed thoroughly.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water is as important during the monsoons as it is in the summers. It is advisable to carry water with you at all times to ensure you have access to clean water at all times. Be careful when buying beverages, especially fruit juices from roadside vendors.

Vehicle check

Driving on wet roads increases the risk of the vehicle skidding or drifting off. Get your car or your bike “monsoon ready” by getting it thoroughly checked for brakes, wipers, headlights, turn indicators, and tires.

Try to stay indoors

This may seem obvious, but is often taken for granted by most. Not only do heavy rains affect visibility but water logging may cause either the engine or the brakes to stop working. It is best to avoid driving/riding when it is pouring. If you are already on the road when the shower begins, it is best to park you vehicle on the side of the road and wait.

Protect your gadgets

Come rains and the first concerns we have is our phones, laptops and wallets. Keeping them safe in the rain can be quite a task as even the slightest contact with water can cause serious damage. You could buy water-proof cases to keep them safe or carry a zip-lock or plastic bag to keep your gadgets from getting wet during the rain.

Tip: Ever noticed those little “Do not eat” sachets in new packages? They are silica gel packets that absorb excess moisture. Instead of throwing them away, keep them in the zip-lock bag with your phone. The silica gel inside will soak up the dampness.

Pay extra attention while driving

There are both rational and irrational drivers on the road and one can never be too careful. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and keep a slow speed. Roads are often lined with potholes that are filled with water and sudden braking may cause an accident or skidding.

Avoid walking in the rain

As tempting as it may seem, getting drenched in the rain is an open invitation to viral diseases and fungal infections. If your clothes get wet, it is best to change them immediately, especially wet shoes and avoid air-conditioned rooms. If possible, keep an extra pair of clothes at your work place.

We hope these tips help you enjoy the monsoons. Let us know in the comments below how you like to enjoy your perfect rainy day.